You're likely not going to jail tomorrow. That's what most people facing their first arraignment need to know. An arraignment is simply when the court formally reads the charges against you and asks how you plead. For most misdemeanor and even many felony cases in King County and Seattle Municipal Court, you'll walk out the same way you walked in.

Here's what actually happens.

You'll stand before a judge for about 5-10 minutes. They'll confirm your identity, tell you what you're charged with, explain your rights, and ask if you can afford an attorney. You'll enter a plea (almost always "not guilty" at this stage) and the judge will set conditions for your release and schedule your next court date. Then you leave.

The confusion and fear you're feeling right now are normal. Most people have never been inside a courtroom before their arraignment. But understanding the process helps you show up prepared instead of panicked.

As Seattle criminal defense attorneys with decades of courtroom experience, we've stood beside hundreds of clients at their arraignments. The people who do best are those who know what's coming and have someone advocating for them. If you have questions about your specific case, call our office at (206) 209-0608 for a consultation before your court date.

When and Where to Show Up

King County arraignments for felonies happen at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent or the King County Courthouse in Seattle. Seattle Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases at the Seattle Justice Center. Your citation or paperwork tells you exactly which courtroom and what time.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. You'll go through security screening, and courtrooms can be hard to find if you've never been there. Dress like you're going to a job interview. It matters.

Most arraignment calendars start at 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM. Your case might not be called immediately. Bring something to read and expect to wait.

What Happens Inside the Courtroom at an Arraignment

The judge will call your name. You'll step forward to a podium or table at the front of the courtroom. If you have a criminal defense attorney, they'll stand with you. If not, you'll stand alone, but the judge will walk you through everything.

First, the judge confirms you are who the paperwork says you are. Then they'll read the charges against you or ask if you've received copies of the charging documents. You'll be asked if you understand the charges. Say yes only if you actually do.

The judge explains your rights: the right to an attorney, the right to a trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to have witnesses testify on your behalf. These aren't just words. These rights matter for your case.

The Plea Question

The judge will ask how you plead: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. 

In almost every situation, you should plead not guilty at arraignment. 

This doesn't mean you're lying or that you'll go to trial. It means you're preserving your rights and giving yourself time to understand your options.

Pleading not guilty at arraignment:

- Gives you time to hire a defense attorney or get a public defender assigned

- Lets you review the evidence against you

- Allows negotiation for reduced charges or alternative sentencing

- Keeps all your legal options open

You can always change your plea later if you reach a deal with prosecutors or decide to accept responsibility.

Release Conditions and Bail

For most misdemeanor cases in Seattle Municipal Court, you'll be released on your personal recognizance. That means you promise to come back to court, and you can leave without posting money.

For felonies in King County Superior Court, the judge might set bail or impose conditions. Common conditions include no contact with alleged victims, staying away from certain locations, drug testing, or GPS monitoring. The judge considers the severity of charges, your criminal history, and whether you're a flight risk.

If bail is set and you can't afford it, your attorney can request a bail review hearing within a few days.

Getting a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you can't afford a lawyer, tell the judge. King County and Seattle Municipal Court both have public defender agencies. You'll fill out a financial statement, and if you qualify, a public defender will be assigned to your case.

If you can afford to hire private counsel, you don't need one at arraignment, but having an attorney there helps. They can argue for lower bail, better release conditions, and handle procedural issues you might not know about.

After Arraignment: What Comes Next

The judge will set your next court date, usually a pretrial hearing, in 2-4 weeks. Write this date down. Missing court creates a warrant for your arrest and makes everything worse.

Between arraignment and your next hearing, your attorney will get police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. This is when the real work of defending your case happens.

The Bottom Line

Your arraignment is the beginning of the process, not the end. It's designed to be quick and procedural. The judge isn't deciding your guilt or innocence tomorrow. They're making sure you know what you're charged with and that you'll come back to court.

Most people leave their arraignment feeling relieved that it wasn't as scary as they imagined. But what you do after the arraignment matters just as much as what happens during it. Get legal help, follow your release conditions, and take your case seriously from day one.

Call Lewis & Laws today at (206) 209-0608 right now for a free consultation where we'll review your case and explain your real options. We'll get back to you and start building your defense immediately.